Castle over the moon at semi-final win

Pete Castle admits he is “the happiest man on the planet” after Sholing’s semi-final second leg FA Vase win against Eastbourne United 6-4.

The centre back was a vital cog in an authoritative first-half display in East Sussex, which saw the Boatmen take a 3-0 lead before United’s resurgence got them back to 3-2, before Nick Watts’s goal made it 4-2.

“Going in at half-time we knew it was a comfortable lead but it’s the semi-final of a cup, they’re always going to come at us,” Castle said.

“Obviously they got the early goal, got a bit of scrappy second half and then it was time for us to dig in, show a bit of mental toughness. “We’ve here through team spirit and we’ve showed it again in the last 20 minutes there.

“When Wattsy’s goal went in it was just a bit of relief, there was few minutes ticking down and they sent a big man upfront, piled a lot of pressure on.

“I thought he’s (Nick Watts) missed it, he’s missed his big chance, but to be fair he had so much composure there, I’m absolutely in love with him right now.”

Sholing now play County Durham side West Auckland in the final (May 10).

Castle beamed: “It’s what you dream of as a kid and we’re actually playing there!”

“Over the moon, excited, buzzing, I just can’t explain the feelings I have – it’s incredible.

“I know everyone says it’s what you dream of but to actually do it and to do it with your mates is even better,” Castle added.

“I know a lot of the Gosport lads and I’ve spoken to them about it. They lost there but I’m sure we can take something from being the final, but yeah, I’m the happiest man on the planet, like all of us are.

“I would imagine we’ll be having a quiet night in celebration,” he added, with a wry smile.